Phoenix Suns: Drawing Up Potential Markieff Morris Trades
Orlando Magic
Rejoice, Suns fans! In this hypothetical deal, Phoenix welcomes a local hometown hero back as the offensive floor spacer this team has badly missed since he accepted a four-year, $32 million deal with the Orlando Magic last summer.
Frye is still a useful veteran on a young Magic team, but swapping his inflated deal for Keef’s identical $8 million per year salary would be an upgrade for Orlando. Morris would fit in with the team’s younger dynamic, adding talent to the frontcourt until Aaron Gordon is ready to explode/stay healthy.
Archie's analysis is spot-on... The absence of Channing Frye from that locker room is a big reason why the Suns won't be in the playoffs.
— Jeffrey Sanders (@JeSanders11) April 7, 2015
From the Suns’ perspective, the remaining three years and $24 million on Frye’s contract is a hefty sum to pay for a 32-year-old who largely disappointed in his first season in Orlando. With Elfrid Payton‘s inability to shoot, Frye’s potency in pick-and-pop sets was slightly diminished since defenses could cover him and basically leave Payton open.
That kind of thing wouldn’t be a problem in Phoenix with Bledsoe and Knight working the pick-and-pop, especially now that the Suns have a few more floor spacers. Frye is a terrific locker room guy and fans would love to see him back in the Valley after all this off-the-court turmoil, even if his deal is a bit of an overpay.
Next: Trade Scenario 7